A Complete Unknown is a biographical movie about Bob Dylan, an American singer-songwriter who initially rose to fame for producing folk music. However, as the 1960s’ rolls around, he finds himself wanting to experiment with electric instruments and the emerging genre of folk-rock.
Distributed by: Searchlight Pictures
Genre: Biopic, drama, music
Length: 2 hours 20 minutes
When A Complete Unknown was first announced back in 2020, most people were surprised to hear that Timothée Chalamet (yes, Lisan Al-Gaib himself) would be playing the legendary musician Bob Dylan. But now having seen the movie, I would say he portrays him well – no, I might even say perfectly.
Timothée Chalamet’s performance as Bob Dylan made every scene impactful, memorable and deep. Scenes were expressed through just emotions and little gestures, without needing much verbal explanation. Chalamet’s style of acting captured Bob Dylan’s enigmatic nature and musical genius without being just a simple imitation.
The movie is a phenomenal portrayal of the music scene, but I don’t think you would need to be familiar with Bob Dylan or 1960’s folk music to enjoy it. The story being told here is a relatable one, about a person who finds enjoyment and excitement in exploring unknown realms, while the people around him remain hesitant to embrace it.
The supporting roles also added depth to the story. Monica Barbaro played an impeccable job in her role as the American singer, songwriter, and activist Joan Baez. Despite being a casual singer who had never played the guitar before being cast for the role, she managed to put in a remarkable amount of effort and dedication into practicing for the role, going from singing in the showers to singing on a big stage as Joan Baez with just a year or two of training.
We also can’t forget Pete Seeger, an American folk-singer, songwriter and social activist. Played by Edward Norton, he captured Seeger’s persona and the passion behind his music and activism, and it’s easy to see why he was nominated for his 4th Oscar for his role in this movie. His role required him to play the banjo, which is no easy feat as it demands high precision, refined techniques, and an exceptional understanding of music. Norton even once joked that he wished he could have just replaced his hands with an expert player’s using AI, which shows the praiseworthy amount of effort he put into the movie.
A Complete Unknown would be a perfect watch for the newer generations. It makes for an engaging watch for anyone interested in music biopics, offering a unique perspective on a legendary artist by delving deep into their life and career, exploring their creative journey, struggles, and triumphs.
A Complete Unknown is currently screening at selected GSC Cinemas outlets participating in the GSC International Screens x Searchlight Pictures Awards Showcase event. Read more about the event here, and purchase your tickets via the GSC Cinemas official website.
